Best Areas to Stay in El Nido & Our Top Places To Stay in El Nido, Palawan
Looking for the best area to stay in El Nido, Palawan? This blog will talk you through the different areas to stay around El Nido plus share the best hostels, luxury hotels and best resorts for families or couples.
El Nido is famed to be one of the best destinations in The Philippines and is home to the renowned boat tour around the bay of Bacuit. As a tourist hot spot the area gets booked up quickly but how do you know which neighbourhood to stay in and where to book? To help you plan your trip we have created a guide on where to stay in El Nido sharing the best places to stay in each area.
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Types of Accommodation In El Nido, Palawan
El Nido is a small town on the larger island of Palawan, you can find all different accommodations in El Nido that suit a variety of budgets. There are plenty of backpackers hostels in El Nido town itself but if you’re looking for luxury resorts then areas like Corong Corong and Marimegmeg Beach may be more suited. Around the whole of El Nido the price of accommodation is considerably more than the rest of the Philippines so consider this when planning your budget.
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Best Area To Stay in El Nido
El Nido town itself is a small seafront settlement that is home to many restaurants, bars, nomad cafes and gyms. It is the hub for the surrounding area and lots of budget accommodation choices are concentrated here meaning we think this is the best area to stay in El Nido. The hubbub of the town is a great place to be but if you want the El Nido experience sold by many travel companies then areas such as Vanilla Beach and Corong Corong are home to the white sand beaches and tranquil waters. More upmarket resorts are found on the outskirts of El Nido, but don’t worry you’ll never be too far from El Nido Town.
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Where To Stay In El Nido Town - Best Places For People On A Budget
If you’re looking for a budget place to stay in El Nido the best area to look is the centre of town where lots of backpacker hostels are located. The town is also where most of the restaurants, bars and cafes are located. We found it incredibly hard to find local food here however so expect to pay more for mediocre western grub. Overall we think this is the best area to be located unless you want to be in a luxury resort, all amenities are close and you’re in the vibrant town centre.
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Forest Camp El Nido: Backpackers, Couples $
This is where we choose to stay, a short 5 minute walk from El Nido Town Square and high up into the rock face is Forest Camp. The traditional Nipa Huts look over the bay where you can watch the sunset from the roof terrace. The living arrangement is simple with a bed on the floor and shared bathroom but it works out cheaper than two beds in a hostel for a couple. This is our top budget choice!
Frendz Hostel El Nido: Backpackers, Solo Travellers $$
One of the most popular hostels in El Nido is Frendz. This is slightly more expensive than your usual budget hostel, however the views and location make up for that. With air-conditioning, an outdoor pool, games room and with views over the famous El Nido Bay this accommodation can often get booked up quickly. A great social stay in the heart of El Nido Town.
The Funny Lion Beachfront Resort: Couples $$$
Right next to town square you can find this luxury hotel that has its own private beach area, outdoor swimming pool and terrace. The staff go above and beyond to make sure you have an El Nido 5 star hotel experience.
Where To Stay In Corong Corong - Resorts and Properties Set Away From The Town
In between El Nido town and Vanilla Beach is Corong Corong, the up and coming neighbourhood and one of the best areas to stay in El Nido. If you choose to stay here you will need to hop on a tricycle to get into the centre but you’ll be guaranteed a quieter stay.
Pukka Hostel El Nido: Couples, Backpackers $
If you want to avoid the crowds but you’re still on a budget this hostel in Corong Corong offers beds in the peaceful area at a reasonable price. Pukka hostel offers female and male only rooms, making this hostel a good choice for solo travellers on a budget. Breakfast is also included in the price of your room however due to the location you will need to get a trike into town.
Outpost Beach Hostel El Nido Philippines: Backpackers, Solo Travellers $$
Set on the beachfront of Corong Corong is Outpost beach. This hostel holds events each night which is a great way to meet people and can organise tours for your stay. All rooms come with air-con, there’s an onsite restaurant and they hold a BBQ every Sunday.
Happiness Boutique Resort: Couples, Families $$$
If you want the best place to stay in Corong Corong look no further. With air-con comfortable rooms with sea views and an outdoor swimming pool you get a slice of paradise while staying at Happiness Boutique Resort. There is an onsite spa and restaurant making this the perfect tropical escape. This is one of the luxury hotels in El Nido that we love the look of!
Karuna Resort: Couples, Families $$$
One of the most luxurious options would be to stay at Karuna Resort. Here you will get breathtaking views over the sea from your private villa and the swimming pool. As the property is located outside El Nido town the resort provides a shuttle service to and from town.
Vanilla Beach aka Marimegmeg Beach
These hotels and resorts are located on the best swimming beach near El Nido Town, so expect to pay more. You can also find a strangely quiet shopping centre here along with some beachfront bars and restaurants. Vanilla beach is a 15 minute tricycle ride from El Nido Town making this one of the furthest options.
Beach Huts El Nido: Couples $$$
Villas located on a private beach area with a small terrace and sea views. All huts have air-con, Tv and private bathroom. If you want to stay away from the main town and experience the natural beauty of El Nido, Beach Huts is a good mid-range choice.
Mua Tula Hotel El Nido: Couples, Honeymooners $$$
Probably the most expensive hotel we could find but also one of the best places to stay in El Nido if you’re not on a budget. A few steps away from Marimegmeg Beach with 5 star amenities, an infinity pool and onsite massages this is the epitome of luxury.
Summary Of Best Places To Stay In El Nido
Best For Families: Happiness Boutique Resort
Best For Solo Travellers: Frendz Hostel
Best For Couples on a Budget: Forest Camp El Nido
Best For Couples: Happiness Boutique Resort
Best For Backpackers: Frendz Hostel
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Alternative Areas To Stay Near El Nido
Palawan is one of the biggest islands in the Philippines meaning there is no shortage of other areas to explore. One of our favourite towns on Palawan is Port Barton which is definitely worth a visit. You could also stay in another area near to El Nido such as Nacpan Beach or Duli Beach.
A long stretch of powdery white sand known as Nacpan beach is often referred to as one of the best beaches in the Philippines. This is also another popular area to stay while on Palawan, around 20 minutes from El Nido you can find some fancy 5 star resorts as well as a couple more budget options.
Mad Monkey Hostel: Backpackers, Solo Travellers, Party Lovers $
For backpackers looking for a social hostel Mad Monkey is situated right on the beach and offers an array of watersports. Famous for parties this accommodation has its own bar that plays music late into the night.
Nacpan Beach Glamping Resort: Couples $$$
If you’re not a party goer but still want to stay on the most beautiful beach then Nacpan Glamping Resort offers a luxury resort right on the beach with a pool. You will stay in one of their glamping tents making this one of the most unique resorts near El Nido.
A quieter beach that we found more local when we visited. If that is your vibe, staying at Duli beach might be for you. The beach is famous for surfing and is home to some of the best waves on Palawan.
The only place to stay on Duli Beach! A beachfront resort with private rooms that each have their own balcony. You can enjoy your evenings here in the restaurant and bar which offers sea views before retiring to your comfortable bed.
Best El Nido Tours
How To Get To El Nido?
El Nido has a small airport that you can fly in to however by far the most popular way to get to El Nido is a flight to Puerto Princesa Airport then a 6 hour shared van.
The shared van to El Nido takes 6 hours and costs ₽600 each, you can pre-book a van here or book on your day of travel.
Best Places To Eat In El Nido
To discover the best places to eat in El Nido download our Philippines Pinned Map, that gives you access to over 300 locations around the Philippines that we recommend or have been recommended!
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Top Tips For Travelling To El Nido
Below we share our favourite tips for travelling El Nido:
Plan your transport: Getting to El Nido takes around 6 hours from Puerto Princesa, book your transport in advance here!
Be prepared for the boat tours to be busy. Boat Tour A is the most popular and therefore the busiest so perhaps try Boat Tour C or D.
Eat Local, we found it challenging to find authentic local food in El Nido, but the Western food options were mediocre.
Rent a scooter to explore the natural attractions. There are so many beautiful beaches in El Nido and waterfalls to explore nearby, just make sure you wear a helmet as it's compulsory in El Nido Town.
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